Red Sands Trail
Red Sands Trail
The Red Sands Trail, also known as Three Ponds Trail, is a scenic route that showcases the colorful sandstone, rolling slickrock, and open desert landscapes that make Snow Canyon State Park so unique. Beginning near the Hidden Pinyon Trailhead, the trail winds through vibrant red sand and sandstone formations before connecting with Hidden Pinyon Trail, West Canyon Road, and eventually Padre Canyon. While many visitors hike only the first section to enjoy sweeping canyon views, those continuing farther are rewarded with a quieter journey through broad washes and secluded desert scenery. With moderate terrain and striking landscapes throughout, Red Sands is an excellent choice for hikers looking to explore beyond the park’s most popular trails.
Trail Details
- Difficulty Level: Difficult
- Round Trip Length: 3.2 miles
Trail Photos
More About Red Sands Trail
The Red Sands Trail begins from the Hidden Pinyon Trailhead, where it branches away from the paved Whiptail Trail and climbs gently across sandstone shelves and patches of deep red sand. The route is marked by trail posts but occasionally crosses stretches of slickrock where hikers should watch carefully for the next marker. After about half a mile, the trail reaches a scenic overlook near the Hidden Pinyon Trail, offering expansive views across Snow Canyon’s colorful cliffs, lava flows, and canyon floor. Many visitors choose to turn around here, making for a rewarding hike of just over one mile round trip.
Beyond the overlook, Red Sands continues across West Canyon Road and follows the eastern edge of Padre Canyon through a more remote section of the park. The terrain becomes sandier and less traveled as the trail winds alongside the canyon walls before ending near Three Ponds. This lower section receives fewer visitors and offers a quieter hiking experience, though route-finding requires a bit more attention in places. With little shade along the trail, hikers should carry plenty of water and avoid the hottest part of the day, especially during the summer months.
You can see the Red Sands trail on our illustrated map of Snow Canyon State Park
